Nursing

Breast cancer, what is it all about' There have been numerous studies done on breast cancer ranging from the types of cancer, the causes of it, and the risk factors associated with it. The following paper will address an article that discusses the limitations in breast cancer research. The purpose of the article is stated as, a gap analysis that was conducted to determine which areas of breast cancer research, if targeted by researchers and funding bodies could produce the greatest impact on patients. The research questions stated in the article are what do we know' and what are the gaps' The article review of literature state that, the participants were asked to review relevant literature prior and to prepare presentations summarizing their area of expertise and identify potential breast cancer research gaps. The key participants already have published, and reviewed evidence, literature and reviews. According to the article, the sample size and research method used in the study state, fifty-six cancer researchers participated in the gap analysis that reviewed current breast cancer trends and research. They prepared summaries, analyzed research information, and prepared recommendations for action and identified the breast cancer gaps. The research findings helped to identify breast cancer research gaps; it stated that there were several problems. (1) There are insufficient model systems for the complexity and diversity of breast cancer and its causes. (2) There is a need to understand not only the cancer, but the tumor microenvironment and patient characteristics. (3) The availability of clinical material is scarce, particularly from metastatic disease tissues. In addition, the article states that the neoadjuvant model could be used more effectively. The conclusion and critique of the research states that, research in the psychosocial aspects of breast cancer has helped to produce knowledge and lead to improvements in care of people with breast cancer or those at high risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, it states that the analysis research study identified several gaps, and if they are resolved they can have a significant impact on diagnosis, management, and prevention of breast cancer. The information in the article could be helpful in future studies related to breast cancer research. By identifying areas of improvement, healthcare specialist is able to diagnosis and treat patients more effectively. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women all over the world. Advancements in research and practices will help to decrease the number of breast cancer deaths. Authors Credentials: 1. Alastair Thompson: Department of Surgery and Molecular Oncology, University of Dundee 2. Keith Brennan: Welcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester 3. Angela Cox: Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Sheffield Medical School 4. Julia Gee: Tenovus Centre for Cancer Research, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Redwood Building 5. Diana Harcourt: The Centre for Appearance Research, School of Psychology University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus 6. Adrian Harris: Cancer Research UK Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine 7. Michelle Harvie: Family History Clinic, Nightingale & Genesis Prevention Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital 8. Ingunn Holen: Academic Unit of Clinical Oncology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield 9. Anthony Howell: Breast Cancer Prevention Centre, South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust 10. Robert Nicholson: Tenovus Centre for Cancer Research, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Redwood Building 11. Michael Steel: University of St Andrews, Bute Medical School, University of St Andrews 12. Charles Streuli2 for Breast Cancer Campaign Gap Analysis Meeting (2 November 2006, London,UK) References Alastair Thompson, Keith Brennan, Angela Cox, Julia Gee, Diana Harcourt, Adrian Harris, Michelle Harvie, Ingunn Holen, Anthony Howell, Robert Nicholson, Michael Steel, Charles Streuli. (2006). Evaluation of the current knowledge limitations in breast cancer research: gap analysis. (2 November 2006, London, UK)Breast Cancer Res. 2008; 10(2): R26. Published online 2008 March 27. Retrieved from PubMed Centeral Online Database